Angela Merkel’s gaffe-prone rival in the race to lead Germany was facing
arguably his last chance to win over the electorate as he prepared to take
part in a live television debate last night.

With 21 days until Germany votes, Peer Steinbrück, 66, continues to trail Mrs
Merkel in almost every category in the opinion polls. The Social Democratic
Party (SPD) candidate scores poorly on who is more likeable, credible or
better able to manage the eurozone crisis.

Only on the issue of “social justice” does the former finance minister
narrowly lead Mrs Merkel, thanks to his centre-left party’s commitment